Ants are a serious concern in homes and gardens. They can carry diseases and even attack members of your family. When you start to see swarms in your home, or when you notice ants around your plants, lavender oil can be a lifesaver. It will kill the insects before they have a chance to spread their wares, and it’s very easy for even the most novice gardener to use! Once you get the hang of using lavender oil with ants, there’s no reason why this simple method won’t work on any other insect invasion. You don’t have to break out the heavy, dangerous pesticides that can cause your children or pets to be sick. Lavender Oil is probably the easiest “natural” method for eliminating ants. It can be applied directly to an ant problem and so any ant that comes in contact with it will likely die. Other natural methods include using radiation dust or cornmeal sprinkled around thresholds and doorways, but those have their drawbacks as well.
Lavender is a fragrant herb that most humans find calming and pleasant. But how do ants feel about the scent of lavender? The answer is not so simple. While some evidence suggests lavender repels ants other studies show lavender actually attracts some species. Understanding the complex relationship between ants and lavender can help you use lavender oil appropriately in your home.
Background on Ants and Their Sense of Smell
Ants have an incredibly advanced sense of smell. Specialized antennae covered with sensory pores detect pheromones and food odors with great sensitivity. Ants use pheromone trails to mark paths to food sources and their nest. By following these scent trails, ants can locate resources and navigate back home.
Disturbing these pheromone trails is an effective way to confuse and repel ants. Strong odors mask the pheromone scent causing ants to lose their way. Ant deterrent sprays and powders rely on this principle utilizing smells that ants hate.
But we cannot assume all strong scents repel ants Much depends on the specific compounds making up the odor Substances ants find toxic or irritating will deter them. Scents associated with food may attract them. The response varies between ant species as well.
Evidence That Lavender Repels Ants
Many sources claim lavender oil repels ants. Lavender contains the compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, which disturb ants’ odor detection. The strong perfume likely masks pheromone trails, confusing ants’ navigation.
Here are a few studies supporting lavender as an ant repellent:
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One 2012 study found lavender essential oil repelled Argentine ants. Worker ants took longer to cross lavender-treated surfaces. This delayed resource discovery and disrupted the colony’s efficiency.
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Research in 2014 showed lavender oil had insecticidal activity against pavement ants. The ants displayed symptoms of disorientation after exposure.
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A 2018 study tested multiple essential oils against red imported fire ants. Lavender oil showed repellent and toxic effects, especially at higher concentrations.
How to Use Lavender Oil as an Ant Repellent
You can take advantage of lavender’s potential ant-repelling properties in several ways:
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Make a diluted lavender spray by adding a few drops of lavender oil to water in a spray bottle. Mist around baseboards, window sills, doors, and other ant entry points.
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Soak cotton balls in lavender oil and place them strategically around your home. Refresh them periodically as the smell diminishes.
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Buy lavender essential oil and apply diluted oil directly to ant trails or nesting sites. This disrupts pheromone trails and discourages ants from returning.
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Grow pots of lavender plants around your home. Crush the leaves and flowers to release more aroma. The live plants give off scent constantly.
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Dry lavender into bundles and place them in drawers, cabinets, and other ant problem areas. The dried buds continue emitting fragrance.
Evidence That Lavender Attracts Ants
However, not all research supports lavender as an across-the-board ant repellent. A few studies produced contradictory results:
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A 2011 study tested multiple essential oils against field ants. Surprisingly, lavender oil showed negligible repellent effects at low concentrations. The ants crossed lavender-treated areas without hesitation.
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Another 2011 study evaluated essential oils against carpenter ants. Again, lavender oil did not significantly deter ant movement even at full concentration.
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Research in 2013 found lavender oil initially repelled red imported fire ants. But after 60 minutes, lavender lost effectiveness and the ants were attracted to it.
Reasons Why Lavender May Attract Ants
There are a few explanations for why lavender draws in some ants:
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The complex makeup of lavender oil may contain specific compounds that certain ants find pleasing rather than repulsive.
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Ants might become desensitized to lavender scent over time. Initial exposure repels them, but they later acclimate.
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High concentrations of lavender oil may be needed to achieve repellency. When diluted, lavender loses potency against ants.
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Some ants may be attracted to the sweet, floral scent if they associate it with nectar or honeydew.
The Bottom Line: Lavender’s Effects Depend on the Ant Species
Research into lavender’s effects on ants is still limited. Current studies show contradictory results. The most accurate conclusion seems to be that lavender repels some ant species but attracts or has neutral effects on others.
Concentration levels, delivery methods, and exposure time also influence lavender’s potency. In general, higher concentrations work best for repelling ants based on limited evidence. But even concentrated lavender oil may become ineffective over time or attract certain ant species.
The takeaway is to use caution with lavender around known ant infestations. Monitor closely for any signs it lures in more ants instead of deterring them. Combine lavender with other ant-repelling essential oils like peppermint or citrus for best results. Lavender alone may not solve a serious ant problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other essential oils that repel ants?
Some other essential oils with evidence of ant-repellent properties include peppermint, citrus oils, cinnamon, tea tree, and clove. Always use these oils diluted and with care around pets.
Where should I apply lavender oil to repel ants?
Focus on applying diluted lavender oil around common ant entry points and trails. Windows, doors, and baseboards are good areas. You can also apply it directly to ant hills or nests found outside.
Is it safe to use lavender oil if I have pets?
Never use essential oils undiluted. But even diluted, oils like lavender can be unsafe for cats and other pets if ingested. Limit applications indoors and keep pets away from treated areas until the oil dries.
How often do I need to reapply lavender as an ant repellent?
Expect to reapply diluted lavender oil every few days for it to remain effective. The aroma fades quickly. Using fresh plants, dried buds, or soaked cotton balls provides more lasting effects.
Are there any risks or downsides to using lavender oil on ants?
The biggest risk is lavender attracting some ant species instead of repelling them. It may also lose effectiveness over time. Start with small applications and monitor the ants’ response before treating larger areas. Never use undiluted oils directly on ants.
Using lavender oil cautiously as part of an integrated pest management plan can provide natural ant deterrence without harming pets or humans. But lavender should not be relied on as a standalone solution for severe ant infestations. Combining it with other deterrents and addressing the source of the problem is key. Monitor closely and adjust your use of lavender oil based on the ants’ observed behavior in your unique situation.
For Killing Ants On Bedding
Bedbugs and other insects that can cause infections are attracted to lavender oil. Spraying your clothes or sheets with oil is a good way to kill bedbugs without having to use chemical pesticides that have a low chance of being completely safe for humans or pets.
For Freshening Clothing
You don’t have to worry about lavender oil being toxic enough to harm young children or babies when you’re using it for this purpose. Spray it on your clothes if they have an unpleasant smell or to help them stay fresh. You can also use lavender oil in your laundry instead of using fabric softeners. Fabric softeners are often toxic and have a high chance of causing skin irritation for people or pets that come in contact with them. Lavender oil has a low toxicity and won’t irritate the skin, making it ideal for use with babies and small children whom you want to keep from developing a sensitivity to perfumes and scented products.